Craig S. Nielsen

Craig S. Nielsen, 61, of Grayslake, IL, passed away on August 18, 2025 at Northwestern Hospital in Lake Forest, IL. He was born on March 24, 1964 in Arlington Heights, IL to Chatfield and Camilla Nielsen.

Craig loved his family, the Chicago Bears, mystery novels, and his recliner in that order. After graduating from Augustana College in 1986, he took a job at the family business manufacturing pure vanilla extracts at Nielsen-Massey Vanillas. After dedicating his life to his son's little league aspirations, he retired from Nielsen-Massey after 39 years. He loved playing with his grandchildren and grandogs. He will be missed by many, but never forgotten.

Craig is survived by his wife, Charlotte of 37 years, whom he married on April 30, 1988 in Buffalo Grove, IL; his mother, Camilla Nielsen; his children, Eric (Abbie) Nielsen of New Berlin, WI, Michael (Erin) Nielsen of St. Louis Park, MN, Issa Beye of Grayslake, IL, Maggie Thiam of Milwaukee, WI, and Fallou Thiam of Milwaukee, WI; his grandchildren, Nathan and Ava; and his siblings, Beth Nielsen of Lincolnshire, IL, and Matthew (Amy) Nielsen of Lake Bluff, IL.  He was preceded in death by his father, Chatfield Nielsen, Jr.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6401 Gages Lake Road, Gurnee, IL 60031 on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 9:30am. A Visitation will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 4pm until 8pm at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 and on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 8:30am until 9:30am at the church. Interment will be held privately.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

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